Homelessness can happen to anyone. On any given night, as many as 200 individuals and families in Rock County are assisted by local shelter providers. Many who seek these services are placed on waiting lists.

On Friday, November 4, 2016 the second annual Sleep Out to End Homelessness event will be held at the Rock County Fairgrounds. Five local organizations are uniting to raise awareness and funds to support local programs and services assisting Rock County’s homeless population. Event proceeds will benefit: ECHO, Edgerton Community Outreach, G.I.F.T.S., House of Mercy, and Project 16:49.

Participants commit to sleep out at the fairgrounds and gather sponsors to raise money for the cause. Prizes will be awarded to the top individual and group, youth and adult fund raisers. At the event, participants will have the opportunity to discuss, think and learn about homelessness in Rock County. Individuals, families, youth groups, church congregations, service and fraternal organizations, school clubs, and corporate teams are encouraged to participate.

While there is no way that a single night can replicate the helplessness and personal pain of truly being homeless, Sleep Out participants should leave with a better understanding of:

•homelessness in Rock County and its causes
•challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness
•community resources available to assist the homeless and increase their self-sufficiency
•how we, as individuals and a community, can play a role in creating and supporting change

To find out how to sign up and sleep out to end homelessness, please visit Rock-hitf.org